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mock

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adjective

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mock

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mock distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of mock are ape, copy, imitate, and mimic. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

When is ape a more appropriate choice than mock?

The synonyms ape and mock are sometimes interchangeable, but ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

When would copy be a good substitute for mock?

While the synonyms copy and mock are close in meaning, copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

Where would imitate be a reasonable alternative to mock?

Although the words imitate and mock have much in common, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When is it sensible to use mimic instead of mock?

While in some cases nearly identical to mock, mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mock
Verb
On the road, opposing crowds engage in mocking chants, begging the Lakers coach to put him in. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025 Similar online handbills were mocked up for each of Idaho’s other three longtime federal delegates: Republicans U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, and Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
But if New York gets a quarterback in the first round — the AP’s mock draft has the Giants trading up to No. 1 for Ward — a veteran backup makes more sense. Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 The ‘25 mock draft pegs him the 39th overall NBA pick. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
LeBron was angered and took to social media this week when ESPN’s NBA mock draft excluded Bronny from this summer’s draft and projected him instead for the 2025 draft. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 The Patriots nab him at No. 4 in Dane’s most recent mock. Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • The show parodies the life of Jeanie Buss, president of the Los Angeles Lakers.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The gum-chewing character with a thick mustache was recently parodied in a Super Bowl ad with Matthew McConaughey.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And gone are the drugs and alcohol which she has also been ridiculed for in the past, despite speaking candidly about her journey to sobriety 2023 was also the year that Doechii toured with Doja Cat and won the Rising Star award at Billboard’s annual Women in Music event.
    Carly Lewis-Oduntan, refinery29.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Similar videos were posted on the lawmakers’ X or Instagram accounts on Tuesday and eventually caught the attention of right-leaning voices, who ridiculed the Democrats for the campaign messaging.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There is no law against creating an environment where children are made to believe that disobeying their pastor’s wishes will cause horrible prophecies to come true.
    Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025
  • There is evidence and documentation of all kinds of findings that feel like the stuff of sci-fi: vehicles that appear to disobey the laws of physics, difficult-to-explain interference with American military activity and, indeed, the bodies of intelligent, nonhuman beings.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Where Hailey will opt for sumptuous faux furs and nipped in waists, Justin is most comfortable in big hoodies and bigger shorts.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Many leather cleaners can also clean faux leather, vinyl, rubber and plastic — or at least some combination of them.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The attacker then tells it to impersonate the real extension by disabling it if permissions allow, changing its name and icon and displaying a fake login popup that looks just like the real thing.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • North Korean group Famous Chollima created fake LinkedIn profiles and used AI for job interviews to land positions at tech companies.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Conan O'Brien Named Host Of The 2025 Oscars By Megan Cartwright Deputy Entertainment Editor Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Conan O'Brien revealed on his podcast that part of his Oscars promo joke was cut by the Academy.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But the jokes Marley’s friends tell at her bedside are a wake-up call for Link.
    Laura Bradley, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • So pack your bags, pick up that worn copy of your favorite Austen classic, and set out on an adventure that would make even Lizzie Bennet proud.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Researchers in Pompeii have revealed that a painting initially thought to be a copy, hanging in a local church, is in fact an original work that went missing, by Renaissance master Andrea Mantegna, reports ANSA.
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Munn shared that the motion is a fidget of Mulaney's that Malcolm has learned to imitate.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Younger narwhals also tended to imitate the behavior of older ones, indicating that social learning could influence how narwhals use their tusks, according to the study.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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